Stem cells are a group of undifferentiated cells characterized by the ability to differentiate into almost any cell in an organism and the ability to proliferate extensively (self-renew). After decades of research, stem cell therapy is becoming a major change in the medical field. So far, a large number of preclinical studies and clinical trials have been published, and stem cells can be seen even during the epidemic. In recent years, regenerative therapy represented by stem cells has become a "hot potato" in the cutting-edge medical field of various countries. In addition to the mainland of China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and other places have also joined the regenerative medicine research and development army!

Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan have stepped off one after another to actively seize the stem cell market

Hong Kong wins the right to host the 2025 International Society for Stem Cell Research Annual Conference

According to a report on June 17, 2024, Hong Kong stood out among many regions or countries in Asia and successfully won the right to host the 2025 International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) Annual Meeting. This bidding was jointly completed by the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and was recognized and supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Council.

As one of the global events in the field of stem cells, ISSCR has benefited many countries around the world such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Japan, China, Brazil, and India. Outstanding stem cell research and regenerative medicine experts participated in the conference and shared the latest progress in the field of stem cell research.

It is reported that ISSCR has more than 4,000 global members, but researchers from mainland China and Hong Kong only account for about 4%. This shows that my country still has huge untapped potential in the field of stem cell research. Hong Kong's successful hosting rights this time also provides a valuable opportunity for Chinese scientists to not only meet with the world's top stem cell researchers, but also learn more about cutting-edge research and ethical application standards of stem cell therapies around the world. At the same time, it can also show the world the breakthrough results of my country's stem cell research, which is undoubtedly a major benefit for the development of my country's stem cell and regeneration fields!

In fact, this election is not the first time that Hong Kong has emerged in the field of stem cells. As early as July 2023, Hong Kong had already sounded the clarion call in the field of stem cell research and development."Commercial Biology and Health Science Asia Edition" reported that year that Hong Kong promoted "Research on the application of mesenchymal stem cells to treat degenerative arthritis".

Taiwan officially passed the Regenerative Medicine Law

According to the "Economic Daily" news, after ten years of hard work, Taiwan's Legislative Yuan finally passed the "Regenerative Medicine Law" and the "Regenerative Medical Preparations Regulations" on June 4, 2024, formally establishing regulations for regenerative medical technologies and drugs in the form of law. The regulatory framework outlines the development blueprint of Taiwan's regenerative medical industry. The passage of this bill provides a strong legal guarantee for the development of regenerative medicine technology in Taiwan and is of milestone significance!

Key contents of the Regenerative Medicine Law

This bill regulates the classification of regenerative medical preparations, ethical norms, market access standards, supervision and punishment mechanisms, and clinical trials at the legal level. The following editor of the International Stem Cell and Immune Cell Research Medical Department refines some of the key contents for your reference.

1. Definition of regenerative medicine

Refers to preparations or technologies that use genes, cells and their derivatives to treat, repair or replace human cells, tissues and organs (Article 3).

2. Definition of regenerative medical preparations

Regenerative medical preparations refer to preparations containing genes, cells and their derivatives for human use (Article 3).

3. Classification of regenerative medical preparations

Regenerative medical preparations can be divided into four categories, including cell therapy preparations, gene therapy preparations, tissue engineering preparations, and composite preparations (Article 4).

4. Specifications of embryos and embryonic stem cells

Standardize prohibited matters involving embryos or embryonic stem cells in regenerative medical research, including the prohibition of artificial insemination to produce embryos or hybrids (Article 9).

5. Implementation of regenerative medical technology

If medical institutions implement regenerative medical technology and are necessary for cell manipulation (including cell culture, processing and preservation), they need to obtain a regenerative medical biotechnology pharmaceutical company or medical institution on their own or entrusted to obtain a pharmaceutical manufacturing license (Article 14).

6. Standardize clinical trials

The specific requirements for clinical trials of regenerative medical technology have been clarified at the legal level, and there are legal provisions for patient informed consent, trial design, data and results to ensure the transparency and scientificity of clinical trials.

7. Cell management of regenerative medical tissues

Including the establishment of regenerative medical cell banks, it must be approved by the central competent authority (Article 18), and the qualifications, written consent and notification of regenerative medical organizations and cell source providers should be regulated (Articles 19 and 20).

8. Supervision and punishment mechanism

Regulate advertisements for regenerative medicine and recruitment of tissue and cell providers. In addition, the central authority may order a medical institution to stop or terminate the practice of regenerative medicine if there are circumstances affecting the rights and safety of patients (articles 21 to 23, 26 and 28).

Macau holds a BEYOND EXPO event to focus on new advances in stem cells

From May 22 to May 25, 2024, the much-awaited BEYOND International Science and Technology Innovation Expo (BEYOND EXPO) was grandly held in Macau. With the theme of "Embracing the Unknown", this event brings together hundreds of companies around the world, including strategic cooperative companies in the health sector, focus on cutting-edge medical and health technology, biomedical research and development, and focus on the latest explorations and future trends of the health industry, promoting innovative development in the medical field.

It is worth mentioning that innovative therapies represented by cell and gene therapy drugs are also one of the hot spots discussed at this event, focusing on the latest developments in the field of stem cells and how to provide new solutions for the treatment of chronic and difficult diseases. At present, Chinese biotechnology companies are no longer limited to domestic markets, but continue to explore international markets such as Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Due to its unique geographical advantages, Macau may become a very important node in bringing innovative therapies in China's biotechnology field to the global stage. Some experts even predict that my country is expected to launch a major decision on stem cell therapy by the end of this year!

In addition, Japan also shared the latest observations and explorations in "Japan's stem cell therapy field" at the meeting. As we all know, Japan, as one of the few countries that has approved the application of stem cells, has a series of advantages such as advanced technology, professional team, and complete legal protection. Especially with the recovery of the epidemic and the depreciation of the yen, more and more patients are choosing to "seek medical treatment across countries."

Small series message

Although China's stem cell research and development field started slightly later, compared with Japan and the United States and other developed countries in regenerative medicine, there is still a certain gap. However, it is gratifying that in recent years, with the strong support of the state, China's stem cell field has also shown a prosperous scene. We hope that Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan can complement each other with the mainland, and jointly promote China's stem cell research and development into the forefront of the world! Benefit more patients!